DE102015110350A1 - Adapter for connecting a transmission line to a field device - Google Patents

Abstract

It is a, particularly in explosion-hazardous areas usable, pressure-resistant adapter for connection of a transmission line (23a, 23b, 23c) described to a field device, with an insertable into an opening in a housing wall (1) of a housing of the field device sleeve (3). in the inserted state has an interior open to an interior of the housing and outwardly closed by an end wall (7) of the sleeve (3) interior, an inserted into the sleeve (3) insert (13) in the sleeve ( 3) arranged base element (15) and a through an opening in the end wall (7) of the sleeve (3) from the sleeve (3) protruding out extension (17), and the base element (15) has a base area which is greater than a base surface of the opening in the end wall (7) of the sleeve (3) is a connection element (19a, 19b, 19c) provided on a protruding end of the extension (17) from the sleeve (3) to which the transmission line (23a, 2 3b, 23c) can be connected, at least one through a bore in the extension (17) through to a terminal (25a, 25b, 25c) of the connecting element (19a, 19b, 19c) connected conductor (27a, 27b, 55) by a to the bore in the extension (17) adjoining the interior (5) of the housing open recess in the base member (15) extends, and a potting (49) which fills a cavity in the sleeve (3) remaining.

Description

The invention relates to an adapter for connecting a transmission line to a field device.

Field devices are electronics devices that are used in the field, esp. In industrial plants. These include, in particular, measuring instruments which have a physical measurand, e.g. a flow, a pressure or a level, metrologically record. Field devices are e.g. used in industrial measuring and automation technology. There, they are used, among other things, to collect information, in particular of measured values and / or process parameters. The information collected by one or more field devices is regularly transmitted to one or more receivers. The receivers are usually higher-level units, such as e.g. Computer, control units or process control systems that process the transmitted information, display and / or control and / or regulation of processes, such as e.g. industrial manufacturing or processing methods. But there are also applications in which information is transmitted from field device to field device.

In addition to the information transmission from the field device to the receiver, an information transmission from a higher-level unit to a field device is frequently also provided. This is e.g. Data for setting, parameterizing and / or configuring the field device, as well as for adapting the field device to tasks to be performed by it, e.g. specific measuring tasks, transferred.

The uni- or bidirectional information transfer between a field device and a receiver, e.g. a higher-level unit or another field device, via a to be connected to a device integrated in the field device electronics transmission line over which the information reproducing electrical signals are transmitted. The spectrum of different types of signals used in industrial applications ranges from line-transferable analog or digital signals to wirelessly transferable high-frequency signals.

The analog signal forms include e.g. commonly referred to as 4-20 mA signals in the industry. In this transmission form, a signal transmitted via the transmission line, e.g. a 2-wire line, flowing signal current depending on a size determined by the field device, e.g. a measured variable, is regulated to values between 4 mA and 20 mA.

The digital waveforms include e.g. digital signals transferable via bus lines, as used in bus systems, e.g. HART, Profibus PA, Profibus DP, Modbus or Ethernet, can be used for uni- or bidirectional digital communication.

In addition, increasingly high-frequency signals are used, as used for example for wireless communication via digital radio or mobile networks. For these networks, different transmission standards, such as e.g. Standards for the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Bluetooth, WiFi or Near Field Communication (NFC) established. In that case, the transmission line to be connected to the field device is a coaxial line of an antenna via which these signals are wirelessly transmitted and / or received.

For both wired and wireless information transmission in each case an adapter is required, via which the electronics disposed within the housing of the field device electronics can be connected to a transmission line located outside of the housing. The adapter must have at least one passage through which the conductors of the transmission line are passed through an opening in a housing wall of the housing of the field device.

Special field safety requirements are set for field devices that can be used in potentially explosive areas. These have the goal of avoiding sparking in the field device or to prevent a spark generated inside the field device from having an impact on the environment. This objective can be achieved in various ways, which are designated as ignition protection classes in corresponding European standards. A class of protection known as 'Flameproof Enclosure' (Ex-d) provides that the units have a pressure-resistant enclosure that ensures that any spark generated inside the enclosure that may even cause an explosion inside the field unit Ignition of an explosive medium located outside of the field device can cause.

To achieve a flameproof enclosure must also be formed by the housing wall of these devices extending bushings. For example, pressure-resistant glass or ceramic bushings are used today. These regularly include a metallic support having a through bore. In the hole, a filling of glass or ceramic is used in which at least one conductor passes through the bore. In these bushings, the filling is in the event of an explosion inside the housing immediately exposed to the explosion pressure. Accordingly, the connection between the outer surface of the filling and the inner wall of the bore must be sufficiently stable in order to withstand the explosion pressure can. The preparation of these bushings is therefore relatively complicated and expensive. In addition, the material combinations of filling, conductor and carrier, between which sufficient pressure-resistant connections can be generated, limited. Moreover, these bushings have the problem that the materials which can be used as filling are generally hard and / or brittle materials which have a coefficient of thermal expansion which differs markedly from the thermal expansion coefficient of the metallic carrier enclosing the filling on the outside. Due to the different coefficients of expansion, thermomechanical stresses that are dependent on the ambient temperature form in these bushings. Especially in the case of severe temperature changes or extremely high or low ambient temperatures, there is a risk that stress cracks in the filling will occur, which may impair the tightness and pressure resistance of these bushings.

It is an object of the invention to specify a pressure-resistant adapter that can be used, in particular, in potentially explosive atmospheres for connecting a transmission line to a field device, which overcomes the disadvantages of the aforementioned prior art.

• – einer in eine Öffnung in einer Gehäusewand eines Gehäuses des Feldgeräts einsetzbaren Hülse, die im eingesetzten Zustand einen zu einem Innenraum des Gehäuses hin offenen und nach außen durch eine Stirnwand der Hülse verschlossenen Innenraum aufweist,
• – einem in die Hülse eingesetzten Einsatz, der ein in der Hülse angeordnetes Basiselement und einen durch eine Öffnung in der Stirnwand der Hülse aus der Hülse heraus ragenden Fortsatz umfasst und dessen Basiselement eine Grundfläche aufweist, die größer als eine Grundfläche der Öffnung in der Stirnwand der Hülse ist,
• – einem an einem aus der Hülse herausragenden Ende des Fortsatzes vorgesehenen Anschlusselement, an das die Übertragungsleitung anschließbar ist,
• – mindestens einem durch eine Bohrung im Fortsatz hindurch an einen Anschluss des Anschlusselements angeschlossenen Leiter, der durch eine an die Bohrung anschließende zum Innenraum des Gehäuses hin offene Ausnehmung im Basiselement verläuft, und
• – einem Verguss, der einen in der Hülse verbleibenden Hohlraum ausfüllt.

For this purpose, the invention comprises an adapter for a connection of a transmission line to a field device, with

• A sleeve which can be inserted into an opening in a housing wall of a housing of the field device and, when inserted, has an interior which is open towards an interior of the housing and is closed to the outside by an end wall of the sleeve,
• An insert inserted into the sleeve comprising a base member disposed in the sleeve and an extension projecting out of the sleeve through an opening in the end wall of the sleeve and the base member having a base larger than a base of the opening in the end wall of the sleeve Sleeve is,
• A connecting element provided on an end of the extension projecting from the sleeve, to which the transmission line can be connected,
• - At least one conductor connected through a bore in the extension to a terminal of the connection element, which extends through an adjoining the bore to the interior of the housing open towards recess in the base element, and
• - A potting, which fills a cavity remaining in the sleeve.

• – die Hülse aus einem druckfesten Material, insb. aus einem Metall, insb. aus Aluminium, Feinguss oder Edelstahl, besteht, und über eine druckfeste mechanische Verbindung, insb. eine Schraubverbindung oder eine Schweißung, mit der Gehäusewand des Feldgeräts verbindbar ist, und/oder
• – der Verguss aus einem Epoxid-Harz oder aus Silikon besteht.

An embodiment comprises an adapter according to the invention, in which

• - The sleeve of a pressure-resistant material, esp. Of a metal, esp. Of aluminum, investment casting or stainless steel, consists, and via a pressure-resistant mechanical connection, esp. A screw or a weld, with the housing wall of the field device is connectable, and / or
• - The casting of an epoxy resin or silicone.

• – eine in den Adapter, insb. in den Einsatz, eingesetzte Leiterplatte vorgesehen ist,
• – die Leiterplatte mit Leiterbahnen ausgestattet ist, und
• – jeder der Leiter über eine der Leiterbahnen mit einem zugehörigen Anschluss verbunden ist, über den der jeweilige Leiter an eine Elektronik des Feldgeräts anschließbar ist.

A first development comprises an adapter according to the invention, in which

• A circuit board is provided in the adapter, especially in the insert,
• - The circuit board is equipped with conductor tracks, and
• - Each of the conductors is connected via one of the conductor tracks to an associated terminal, via which the respective conductor can be connected to an electronics of the field device.

According to a preferred embodiment of the first development, the conductor tracks run in the printed circuit board.

• – die Leiterplatte im Adapter derart angeordnet ist, dass sie parallel zur Längsachse der Hülse durch den Adapter verläuft, wobei eine Flächennormale auf die Leiterplattenfläche senkrecht zur Längsachse der Hülse verläuft, und/oder
• – die Leiterplatte einen in das Basiselement eingesetzten ersten Abschnitt und einen daran anschließenden durch die Hülse hindurch führenden zweiten Abschnitt umfasst.

A further embodiment of the first development comprises an adapter in which

• - The circuit board is arranged in the adapter such that it extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve through the adapter, wherein a surface normal to the circuit board surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and / or
• - The circuit board comprises a first portion inserted into the base member and an adjoining passing through the sleeve second portion.

A further development of the latter embodiment comprises an adapter in which the printed circuit board comprises two, on opposite outer sides of the base member extending, esp. Web-shaped circuit board segments which are connected to the second portion of the circuit board and each extending through a through the circuit board, a wall segment the base member receiving slot are separated from the first portion inserted into the base member.

According to a development of the first development, a fastening device is provided, by means of which the base element and the printed circuit board inserted therein are fixed in the sleeve, esp. A fastening device which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of both sides of the printed circuit board Adapters protruding printed circuit board protrusions and a clamped in a groove in the sleeve clamping ring, wherein the clamping ring is arranged on the side facing away from the end wall of the sleeve side of the printed circuit board protrusions.

• – die Übertragungsleitung eine mindestens einen Leiter umfassende Leitung, insb. eine zwei Leiter umfassende 2-Draht-Leitung oder eine mehradrige Busleitung, ist, und
• – für jeden Leiter der Übertragungsleitung eine durch die Bohrung im Fortsatz hindurch an einen der Anschlüsse des Anschlusselements des Adapters angeschlossener Leiter, der durch die an die Bohrung im Fortsatz anschließende Ausnehmung im Basiselement verläuft.

A first variant comprises an adapter according to the invention, in which

• - The transmission line is a line comprising at least one conductor, esp. A two-wire 2-wire line or a multi-core bus line, and,
• - For each conductor of the transmission line through the bore in the extension through to one of the terminals of the connection element of the adapter connected conductor which extends through the adjoining the bore in the extension recess in the base element.

• – die Übertragungsleitung eine einen Innenleiter und einen Außenleiter umfassende Koaxialleitung, insb. eine Koaxialleitung einer an das Feldgerät anschließbaren Antenne ist,
• – die Anschlüsse des Anschlusselements einen Anschluss für den Innenleiter und einen Anschluss für den Außenleiter umfassen,
• – der Anschluss für den Innenleiter durch die Bohrung im Fortsatz hindurch an den durch die Ausnehmung im Basiselemente verlaufenden Leiter angeschlossen ist,
• – der Einsatz aus einem elektrisch leitfähigen Material, insb. aus Messing oder Aluminium, besteht,
• – der Einsatz einen mit dem Anschluss für den Außenleiter verbundenen Außenleiter bildet, und
• – der Einsatz gegenüber dem Leiter und der Hülse elektrisch isoliert ist.

A second variant comprises an adapter according to the invention, in which

• The transmission line is a coaxial line comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor, in particular a coaxial line of an antenna which can be connected to the field device,
• The terminals of the connection element comprise a connection for the inner conductor and a connection for the outer conductor,
• The connection for the inner conductor is connected through the bore in the extension to the conductor extending through the recess in the base element,
• The insert consists of an electrically conductive material, in particular of brass or aluminum,
• The insert forms an outer conductor connected to the outer conductor terminal, and
• - The insert is electrically isolated from the conductor and the sleeve.

• – das mit dem Anschluss für den Außenleiter verbundene Basiselement über eine in der Leiterplatte verlaufende Leiterbahn mit einem zugehörigen Anschluss verbunden ist, und
• – die Leiterbahn, die den mit dem Anschluss für den Innenleiter verbundenen Leiter mit dem zugehörigen Anschluss verbindet, in der Leiterplatte verläuft.

A development of the adapter according to the invention according to the first development and the second variant comprises an adapter in which

• - The connected to the terminal for the outer conductor base element is connected via a conductor extending in the circuit board having an associated terminal, and
• - The trace, which connects the conductor connected to the connection for the inner conductor with the associated connection, runs in the circuit board.

An embodiment of the last-mentioned further development comprises an adapter in which the base element is connected to the associated conductor track of the printed circuit board via a connecting line, in particular a connecting line running on an outer side of the base element.

A second development comprises an adapter in which insert and sleeve are electrically insulated from each other.

• – das Basiselement außenseitlich von einem mit dem Verguss gefüllten Spalt umgeben ist, und
• – zwischen der Hülse und dem Einsatz ein Isolator vorgesehen, der die Stirnwand der Hülse gegenüber der Stirnwand des Basiselements isoliert und den durch die Öffnung in der Stirnwand in der Hülse verlaufenden Fortsatz gegenüber der die Öffnung umgebenden Stirnwand isoliert,
• – insb. ein Isolator, der einen zwischen der Stirnwand der Hülse und der Stirnwand des Basiselements angeordneten ringscheibenförmigen ersten Isolator-Bereich und und einen daran anschließenden den Fortsatz außenseitlich allseitig umschließenden zweiten Isolator-Bereich umfasst,
• – insb. ein Isolator aus einem druckfesten Material oder ein Isolator dessen ersten Isolator-Bereich aus einem druckfesten Material besteht, insb. aus Keramik, einem druckfesten Kunststoff oder einem Leiterplattenbasismaterial, insb. mit Expoxidharz getränkten Glasfasermatten.

A development of the latter development comprises an adapter in which

• - The base element is surrounded on the outside by a gap filled with the potting, and
• - Insulator provided between the sleeve and the insert, which isolates the end wall of the sleeve relative to the end wall of the base member and the extending through the opening in the end wall in the sleeve extension with respect to the opening surrounding the end wall,
• - esp. An insulator comprising a arranged between the end wall of the sleeve and the end wall of the base element annular disk-shaped first insulator region and an adjoining the extension on the outside on all sides enclosing second insulator region,
• - Specifically, an insulator made of a pressure-resistant material or an insulator whose first insulator region consists of a pressure-resistant material, esp. Made of ceramic, a pressure-resistant plastic or a printed circuit board base material, especially with epoxy resin impregnated glass fiber mats.

According to a further development, the filled with the potting sleeve is designed as a flame trap.

Furthermore, the invention comprises a field device with an adapter according to the invention and an electronics which can be connected via the adapter to a transmission line.

Adapters according to the invention have the advantage that the pressure resistance is brought about against the explosion pressure possibly occurring inside the field device by the support of the base element of the insert on the end wall of the sleeve. In contrast to the above-mentioned pressure-resistant glass or ceramic bushings therefore no pressure-resistant connection between the potting and the potting components of the adapter is required in adapters according to the invention.

This offers the advantage that the encapsulation can consist of a material that is significantly more elastic in comparison to glass or ceramics, that is able to absorb thermo-mechanical stresses arising from different thermal expansion coefficients of the components of the adapter. As a result, stress cracks in the encapsulation are avoided, so the adapter according to the invention can be used in a wider temperature range, than conventional bushings. It can be filled with the potting sleeve than a correspondingly large Temperature range reliable flame arrester are formed.

A further advantage is that adapters according to the invention can be produced in a simple and cost-effective manner due to the simply constructed components, for the assembly of which no special joining methods are required.

The invention and further advantages will now be explained in more detail with reference to the figures of the drawing, in which three embodiments are shown; like parts are provided in the figures with the same reference numerals.

1 shows: an adapter used in a housing wall of a field device for a 2-wire cable;

2 shows: an adapter used in a housing wall of a field device for a bus line; and

3 shows: an adapter used in a housing wall of a field device for a coaxial line of an antenna.

1 shows a sectional view of a first embodiment of an adapter according to the invention for a field device. The adapter includes an opening in a housing wall 1 a housing usable sleeve 3 that in the assembled state one to an interior 5 the housing open and outward through an end wall 7 the sleeve 3 having closed interior. Housing and sleeve 3 consist of a pressure-resistant material, such as a metal, such as aluminum, investment casting or stainless steel, and are connected to each other via a pressure-resistant mechanical connection, esp. A screw or a weld. In the screw shown here, the sleeve 3 preferably a hollow cylindrical, externally threaded screw pin 9 and one the front wall 7 comprehensive screw head 11 , eg a hexagon head, on. In that case the opening is in the housing wall 1 equipped with an internal thread into which the screw pin 9 is screwed in. In this case, the threads preferably have a sufficiently large thread length to achieve a highly pressure-resistant mechanical connection, in particular a connection with a compressive strength against pressures of up to 80 bar. Corresponding minimum thread lengths can be taken, for example, from European or international standards for the ignition protection class of flameproof enclosure. The screw head 11 can - as shown here - on the outside surrounding the opening of the housing wall 1 rest, or alternatively in the housing wall 1 be arranged sunk.

In addition, the adapter includes 3 one in the sleeve 3 used insert 13 , The use 13 includes a in the interior of the sleeve 3 arranged base element 15 and one to the base member 15 subsequent, through an opening in the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 outstanding extension 17 , The basic element 15 has a footprint greater than a base of the opening in the end wall. This causes the end wall 7 the sleeve 3 a stable counter bearing for use 13 forms, which in an explosion in the interior of the housing resulting from the use 13 acting explosion pressure easily withstands.

At the out of the opening in the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 outstanding end of the extension 17 is a - shown here only schematically - connection element 19a provided on the one with a complementary thereto, also shown only schematically connection element 21a equipped transmission line 23a is connectable.

In addition, the adapter comprises at least one through a hole in the extension 17 through to an associated port 25a of the connection element 19a of the adapter connected conductor 27a , which connects to the interior of the housing by a subsequent to the bore 5 open recess in the base element 13 runs.

In the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the transmission line 23a a 2-wire cable. Accordingly, the adapter here includes two through the use 13 running ladder 27a passing over the two connection elements 19a . 21a to the two conductors of the transmission line 23a can be connected.

In addition, the adapter includes connections 29 , over which the of the connecting element 19a the adapter facing away from the ends of the ladder 27a to an electronics arranged inside the housing of the field device 31a can be connected. The connections 29 are in the illustrated embodiment terminal contacts to which a corresponding line can be connected, for example by soldering. Alternatively, the connections 29 be designed as a plug or connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the electronics includes 31a For example, a circuit that adjusts a flowing over the 2-wire line current such that it corresponds to a measured by the field device physical measurement. In addition, with appropriate design of the electronics 31a also the power supply of the field device via the 2-wire line done. Corresponding circuits are from the Prior art known, and therefore not described in detail here.

In principle, it would be possible the ladder 27a in a cable sheath through the sleeve 3 through and directly to the electronics 31a to join. However, such a procedure is not permitted in many countries due to explosion protection regulations for field devices that can be used in potentially explosive atmospheres, since cable sheaths regularly consist of flowable plastics that are unsuitable for use in potentially explosive atmospheres, and a conductor between them 27a and cable sheath existing, up to the interior 5 the housing leading gap presents a security risk.

The connection of the conductors 27a to the electronics 31a Therefore, it is preferably carried out via a printed circuit board inserted into the adapter 33 , The circuit board 33 is with a number of conductors 27a corresponding number of tracks 35a equipped, over which the respective conductor 27a with the associated connection 29 connected is. The tracks 35a can - as in 1 shown - on the circuit board 33 run, or alternatively as in the circuit board 33 be formed running tracks.

The circuit board 33 is preferably arranged in the adapter such that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 3 passes through the adapter, wherein a surface normal to the circuit board surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve 3 runs.

The circuit board 33 includes one in the base member 15 used first section 37 and an adjoining through the sleeve 3 passing through the second section 39 , Preferably, the circuit board comprises 33 additionally two opposite outer sides of the base element 15 extending, preferably web-shaped printed circuit board segments 41 that with the second section 39 the circuit board 33 are connected. These PCB segments 41 are each through a through the PCB 33 extending slot from the in the base element 15 used first section 37 separated. That offers the advantage that the circuit board 33 on the base element 15 can be plugged, wherein the slots each have a wall segment of the base member 15 take up.

In addition, the adapter comprises a fastening device through which the base element 15 and the printed circuit board inserted therein 33 in the sleeve 3 are fixed. For this purpose, for example, a suitable in a groove 43 in the screw pin 9 clamped clamping ring 45 , which has an abutment on both sides of the circuit board 33 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter 3 protruding board protrusions 47 forms. Here is the clamping ring 45 on the from the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 opposite side of the PCB protrusions 47 arranged so that it is a movement of the composite out of use 13 and the one in use 13 inserted circuit board 33 in from the front wall 7 counteracts the opposite direction.

In adapters according to the invention is a in the interior of the sleeve 3 remaining cavity with a potting 49 filled. The casting 49 also fills one after inserting the circuit board 33 in the base element 15 remaining cavity in the base element 15 , In addition, preferably also in the extension 17 remaining cavity with the potting 49 or alternatively filled with an insulator inserted therein.

The with casting 49 filled sleeve 3 is preferably designed as a flame arrester, which prevents that a spark generated in the field device can cause an ignition of an explosive medium located outside of the field device. Requirements for use as flame arrestor filled with a potting cavities are regulated in many countries by appropriate explosion protection standards, which here for the corresponding design of sleeve 3 and casting 49 can be used. For example, according to the German industrial standard DIN EN 60079-1 from the year 2007 in connection with the protection class of the pressure-resistant encapsulation (Ex-d) permissible configuration is, is the sleeve 3 such that the shortest in the potting 49 through the adapter extending distance at a total volume of the potting 49 of less than 10 cm ³ at least 3 mm, for a total volume of potting 49 of more than 10 cm ³ and less than 100 cm ³ as at least 6 mm, as well as a total volume of the potting 49 of more than 100 cm ^{3 is} at least 10 mm.

By combining the pressure-resistant support of the base element 15 of the insert 13 on the front wall of the sleeve 3 and the one with potting 49 filled sleeve 3 caused flame arrester, it is possible to use the adapter in hazardous areas.

In contrast to the above-mentioned pressure-resistant glass or ceramic bushings in adapters invention no pressure-resistant connection between the potting 49 and the casting 49 surrounding components of the adapter required. Instead, the explosion pressure of an explosion occurring in the interior of the field device in the adapters according to the invention by the support of the base element 15 on the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 collected.

This offers the advantage that the potting 49 from a much more elastic compared to glass or ceramic material, for example made of a resin, eg an epoxy resin, or silicone may exist. More elastic potting materials offer the advantage that they can absorb thermo-mechanical stresses that arise due to different thermal expansion coefficients of the components of the adapter. As a result, stress cracks in the potting 49 avoided even if the adapter is exposed to large temperature fluctuations and / or very high or very low temperatures.

2 shows a second embodiment of an adapter according to the invention. This differs from the one in 1 illustrated embodiment in that this adapter for the connection of a - here designed as a bus line - more-wire transmission line 23b is designed. Accordingly, adapter and transmission line 23b here with connection elements suitable for the connection of a bus line 19b . 21b , as known from the prior art, depending on the bus line system usually 9-pin or 12-pin connectors equipped. In this case, for each wire of the bus line to the corresponding port 25b of the connection element 19b connected by the adapter, through the extension 17 conductor guided in the adapter 27b intended. The ladder 27b are also here preferably each to a zughörige interconnect 35b the circuit board 33 connected via their connection 29 For example, a connector, a plug or connector, then they to the electronics 31b of the field device can be connected. The Electronic 31b in this case includes a data transfer module that handles digital communication over the bus line. Since the digital communication via bus lines takes place regularly via higher-frequency signals, the printed conductors run 35b here preferably within the circuit board 33 , As a result, interaction of the higher-frequency signals with the potting 49 avoided.

3 shows a further embodiment of an adapter according to the invention. This differs from the previous embodiments in that it is suitable for connecting a transmission line designed here as a coaxial line 23c is trained. The transmission line 23c is eg a coaxial line of an antenna 51 to transmit and / or receive high-frequency signals wirelessly. Accordingly, adapter and transmission line 23c here with suitable for the connection of a coaxial line connection elements 19c . 21c , such as known from the prior art SMA connector or F-connector equipped, over which the antenna 51 , preferably by means of one of the connection elements 21c the antenna 51 provided union nut 53 , on the adapter can be mechanically attached and electrically connected.

Also in this variant, it would be possible in principle inner and outer conductor of the coaxial line to be connected through the hole in the extension 17 through into the adapter.

Preferably, however, another approach is taken here. This is the use 13 used as an outer conductor, so that only the inner conductor of the coaxial line through the hole in the extension 17 must be led. This is the use 13 made of an electrically conductive material, such as brass or aluminum, and it is only one through the hole in the extension 17 through with the provided for the inner conductor of the coaxial line connection 25c of the connection element 19c connected leader 55 provided, opposite to the insert 13 is electrically isolated and by the adjoining the bore recess in the base element 15 runs. For insulation of the conductor 55 opposite the extension 17 is in between that by the extension 17 running part of the conductor 55 and the extension 17 located hollow cylindrical gap, for example, a spacer or a filling of a dielectric provided. In this variant, the substantially hollow cylindrical extension forms 17 preferably at the same time the connection 25c of the connection element 19c for the outer conductor.

This variant can be manufactured extremely inexpensively by using a commercially available connection element for connecting coaxial cables, such as an SMA or F connector on the base element 15 mounted, for example, is soldered, the outer conductor of the extension 17 forms and its inner conductor through the hole in the extension 17 running part of the conductor 55 forms, then the through the recess in the base member 13 running part of the conductor 55 is connected.

commitment 13 and sleeve 3 are preferably electrical isolated from each other. In the embodiment shown here, the base element 15 on the outside by the base element 15 outside surrounding, potted hollow cylindrical gap between the base element 15 and sleeve 3 opposite the sleeve 3 isolated. In addition, there is between the sleeve 3 and the mission 13 an insulator 57 provided, an insulation between the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 and the end wall of the base member 13 , as well as between through the opening in the front wall 7 in the sleeve 3 extending extension 17 and the front wall surrounding the opening 7 causes. The insulator 57 Eg includes one between the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 and the end wall of the base member 13 arranged annular disk-shaped first insulator region and an adjoining the extension 17 outside on all sides enclosing second insulator area. The second insulator region is preferably formed to interpose one between the extension 17 and the opening in the front wall 7 completely fills existing gap. It consists of between the front wall 7 the sleeve 3 and the end wall of the base member 13 arranged first insulator region preferably made of a pressure-resistant material, such as ceramic. Alternatively, it can also consist of a pressure-resistant, insulating plastic or a pressure-resistant, insulating board base material, for example from under the name FR4 known impregnated with epoxy resin fiberglass mats exist. Is the insulator 57 formed in one piece, it preferably consists entirely of this material. Is the insulator 57 formed in two parts, the second insulator region of a different material, for example, from an insulating encapsulation consist.

An isolation between use 13 and sleeve 3 is preferably also in the in 1 and 2 illustrated embodiments provided. Also there she can, as in 1 and 2 represented by the molded hollow cylindrical gap between the base element 15 and sleeve 3 and between the sleeve 3 and the mission 13 provided insulator 57 will be realized.

The isolation offers the advantage that it provides a potential separation between the potential of the insert 13 and the potential of being in use with the housing wall 1 connected and thus at the potential of - usually grounded housing - lying sleeve 3 causes.

At the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the circuit board 33 with two tracks 35c equipped, over which the inner conductor continuing conductor 55 and the outer conductor continuing base element 15 with the respective one, on the one from the base element 13 remote section 39 the circuit board 33 provided connection 29 are connected. This is the head 55 directly with the associated trace 35c the circuit board 33 connected, and the base element 15 is via a connection line 59 to the associated trace 35c the circuit board 33 connected. The connection line 59 preferably runs on the outside of the base member 15 and is, for example, on one of the two externally directly to the base element 13 adjacent ridge-shaped printed circuit board segments 41 to the associated trace 35c connected.

The tracks 35c also run here preferably within the circuit board 33 , As a result, interactions of the signals to be transmitted with the encapsulation 49 avoided.

Accordingly, with the adapter according to the invention, signals having frequencies which are used in conjunction with the transmission standards mentioned above, Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM), Bluetooth, WiFi, or Near Field Communication (NFC) can be readily transmitted. Depending on the standard, these transmission standards use frequency ranges ranging from a few hundred mega-heart ranges to frequency ranges in the range of one or two gig-hearts. The data transmission rate is generally higher, the higher the frequencies used for transmission.

By suitable choice of the materials of printed circuit board 33 and use 13 and a frequency-matched dimensioning of the insert 13 Even higher-frequency signals can be transmitted. For example, with a printed circuit board 33 made of ceramic and a suitably sized insert 13 made of brass signals with frequencies of 5 GHz and more, over which correspondingly higher data transmission rates can be achieved.

The - also formed here as a connector, plug or connector - connections 29 are in the field device via a coaxial line to the integrated electronics in the field device 31c connected, which in this case a trained according to the selected transmission standard high-frequency module for transmitting and / or receiving over the transmission line 23c or the antenna 51 comprises high-frequency signals to be transmitted.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 housing wall

3

 shell

5

 Interior of the housing

7

 End wall of the sleeve

9

 screw pin

11

 screw head

13

 commitment

15

 base element

17

 extension

19

 connecting element

21

 connecting element

23

 transmission line

25

 connection contact

27

 ladder

29

 connections

31

 electronics

33

 circuit board

35

 management

37

 Section of the circuit board

39

 Section of the circuit board

41

 web-shaped printed circuit board segment

43

 groove

45

 clamping ring

47

 PCB lead

49

 grouting

51

 antenna

53

 Nut

55

 ladder

57

 insulator

59

 connecting line

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• DIN EN 60079-1 [0046]

Claims (15)

Adapter for a connection of a transmission line ( 23a . 23b . 23c ) to a field device, with - one in an opening in a housing wall ( 1 ) of a housing of the field device usable sleeve ( 3 ), which in the inserted state open to an interior of the housing and outwardly through an end wall ( 7 ) of the sleeve ( 3 ) has closed interior, - one in the sleeve ( 3 ) use ( 13 ), one in the sleeve ( 3 ) arranged base element ( 15 ) and one through an opening in the end wall ( 7 ) of the sleeve ( 3 ) from the sleeve ( 3 ) protruding projection ( 17 ), and its base element ( 15 ) has a base area which is greater than a base area of the opening in the end wall ( 7 ) of the sleeve ( 3 ), - one on one of the sleeve ( 3 ) outstanding end of the extension ( 17 ) provided connection element ( 19a . 19b . 19c ) to which the transmission line ( 23a . 23b . 23c ) is connectable, - at least one through a hole in the extension ( 17 ) through a connection ( 25a . 25b . 25c ) of the connection element ( 19a . 19b . 19c ) connected conductors ( 27a . 27b . 55 ), which by a to the bore in the extension ( 17 ) subsequent to the interior ( 5 ) of the housing open recess in the base element ( 15 ), and - a potting ( 49 ), one in the sleeve ( 3 ) fills remaining cavity. Adapter according to claim 1, wherein - the sleeve ( 3 ) made of a pressure-resistant material, esp. Of a metal, esp. Of aluminum, investment casting or stainless steel, consists, and a pressure-resistant mechanical connection, esp. A screw or a weld, with the housing wall ( 1 ) of the field device is connectable, and / or - the potting ( 49 ) consists of an epoxy resin or silicone. Adapter according to claim 1, in which - one in the adapter, esp. In the insert ( 13 ), inserted circuit board ( 33 ), - the circuit board ( 33 ) with conductor tracks ( 35a . 35b . 35c ), and - each of the ladders ( 27a . 27b . 55 ) via one of the tracks ( 35a . 35b . 35c ) with an associated connection ( 29 ), over which the respective conductor ( 27a . 27b . 55 ) to an electronics ( 31a . 31b . 31c ) of the field device can be connected. Adapter according to Claim 3, in which the printed conductors ( 35a . 35b . 35c ) in the printed circuit board ( 33 ). Adapter according to claim 3, wherein - the printed circuit board ( 33 ) is arranged in the adapter such that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve ( 3 ) passes through the adapter, wherein a surface normal to the circuit board surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve ( 3 ) runs, and / or - the circuit board ( 33 ) one in the base element ( 15 ) first section ( 37 ) and an adjoining through the sleeve ( 3 ) passing through the second section ( 39 ). Adapter according to Claim 4, in which the printed circuit board ( 33 ) two on opposite outer sides of the base member ( 15 ), in particular web-shaped, printed circuit board segments ( 41 ) associated with the second section ( 39 ) of the printed circuit board ( 33 ) and each through a through the circuit board ( 33 ) extending, a wall segment of the base element ( 15 ) receiving slot from which into the base element ( 15 ) first section ( 37 ) are separated. Adapter according to claim 3, in which a fastening device is provided, through which the base element ( 15 ) and the printed circuit board inserted therein ( 33 ) in the sleeve ( 3 ) are fixed, esp. A fastening device to on both sides of the circuit board ( 33 ) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the adapter ( 3 ) projecting printed circuit board projections ( 47 ) and one into a groove ( 43 ) in the sleeve ( 3 ) clamped clamping ring ( 45 ), wherein the clamping ring ( 45 ) on the front wall ( 7 ) of the sleeve ( 3 ) facing away from the PCB protrusions ( 47 ) is arranged. Adapter according to claim 1, in which - the transmission line ( 21a . 21b ) is a conductor comprising at least one conductor, in particular a two-conductor 2-wire line or a multi-core bus line, and - for each conductor of the transmission line ( 21a . 21b ) through the hole in the extension ( 17 ) through to one of the terminals ( 25a . 25b ) of the connection element ( 19a . 19b ) of the adapter of connected conductors ( 27a . 27b ) provided by the to the bore in the extension ( 17 ) subsequent recess in the base element ( 15 ) runs. Adapter according to claim 1, in which - the transmission line ( 21c ) a coaxial line comprising an inner conductor and an outer conductor, in particular a coaxial line of an antenna which can be connected to the field device ( 51 ), - the connections ( 25c ) of the connection element ( 19c ) a connection ( 25c ) for the inner conductor and a connection ( 25c ) for the outer conductor, - the connection ( 25c ) for the inner conductor through the hole in the extension ( 17 ) through to the through the recess in the base element ( 15 ) running ladder ( 55 ) connected, - the use ( 13 ) consists of an electrically conductive material, esp. Of brass or aluminum, is - the use ( 13 ) one with the connector ( 25c ) forms an external conductor connected to the outer conductor, and - the insert ( 13 ) opposite the ladder ( 55 ) and the sleeve ( 3 ) is electrically isolated. Adapter according to claims 3 and 9, in which - the connection ( 25c ) for the outer conductor connected base element ( 15 ) via a in the circuit board ( 33 ) running track ( 35c ) with the associated connection ( 29 ), and - the track ( 35c ), which are connected to the 25c ) for the inner conductor connected conductors ( 55 ) with the associated connection ( 29 ), in the printed circuit board ( 33 ) runs. Adapter according to claim 10, in which the base element ( 15 ) via a connecting line ( 59 ), in particular one on an outer side of the base element ( 15 ) connecting line ( 59 ), with the associated conductor track ( 35c ) of the printed circuit board ( 33 ) connected is. Adapter according to claim 1, wherein the insert ( 13 ) and sleeve ( 3 ) are electrically isolated from each other. Adapter according to claim 12, in which - the base element ( 15 ) on the outside of one with the potting ( 49 ) filled gap is surrounded, and - between the sleeve ( 3 ) and the mission ( 13 ) an insulator ( 57 ) provided the end wall ( 7 ) of the sleeve ( 3 ) opposite the end wall of the base element ( 13 ) and through the opening in the front wall ( 7 ) in the sleeve ( 3 ) extending extension ( 17 ) opposite the end wall surrounding the opening ( 7 ), in particular an insulator ( 57 ), one between the front wall ( 7 ) of the sleeve ( 3 ) and the end wall of the base element ( 13 ) arranged annular disk-shaped first insulator region and and an adjoining, the extension ( 17 ) on the outside on all sides enclosing the second insulator region comprises, - esp. An insulator ( 57 ) made of a pressure-resistant material or an insulator ( 57 ) whose first insulator region consists of a pressure-resistant material, esp. Of ceramic, a pressure-resistant plastic or a printed circuit board base material, esp. With epoxy resin impregnated glass fiber mats. Adapter according to claim 1, in which the potting ( 49 ) filled sleeve ( 3 ) is designed as a flame arrester. Field device with an adapter according to one or more of the preceding claims and via the adapter to a transmission line ( 23a . 23b . 23c ) connectable electronics ( 31a . 31b . 31c ).

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